OAKLAND - Despite Tuesday's loss to the Angels, a pair of somewhat forgotten A's outfielders had big nights. Left fielder Mark Canha made his first start in 10 days and came through with a big three-run double in the fourth inning. Rookie Dustin Fowler pinch-hit in the eighth and notched a two-run single, his first hit since July 26.
"It just felt good to contribute," Canha said. "It was a big moment for me. ... When you're not playing all the time, it's nice to have some reassurance that what you're working on when you're not playing is the right thing."
"Everybody is ready to play," added A's manager Bob Melvin. "They know we're going to pinch-hit and try to get the best matchups. ... Guys know in our dugout when to be ready for certain situations and both those guys were.
Canha's bases clearing double gave him 50 RBI for the season. He has already tied a career high with 16 home runs.
--- Right-handed pitcher Daniel Mengden allowed just one run in four innings of work. In his last three "bullpenning" appearances, Mengden has allowed one run on three hits in 13 2/3 innings.
"I'm getting really acclimated to this new role now," he said. "I feel like I have my feet under me now and have a grasp of what to do and how to handle it."
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"I thought he was good," Melvin added. "He gave us what he needed to and left with a lead. Usually in that situation, we're able to close out games."
--- Pitcher Liam Hendriks has thrown five straight scoreless innings as an "opener." He lowered his ERA to 2.70 in his six starts this season.
--- Second baseman Jed Lowrie walked three times, tying his single-game high. He set a career high with his 74th walk of the season.
--- Reliever Shawn Kelley allowed his first runs as a member of the A's. He had thrown 12 1/3 scoreless innings in his previous 14 games.
--- Angels center fielder Mike Trout blasted his 15th home run at the Coliseum since 2010, the most of any visiting player during that time. This season in Oakland, Trout is batting .424 (14-for-33) with two homers and six RBI.
--- The A's have lost three games in a row for the first time since July 27-29, when they were swept by the Rockies.
--- The A's fell to 6-8 against the Angels this season. Los Angeles has won the season series four straight years.
--- Despite Tuesday's loss, the A's are 56-25 since June 16, the best record in Major League Baseball.
